Ottawa @ Winnipeg

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Do we think we might see some new faces added to the PR in the next day or two? Obviously, unless they are recent cuts, there is no way they would see the field this week. At least Dawson was here for TC. I suppose it's possible there might be another rookie they liked in TC, but chances are he wouldn't be in game shape.

Regardless we're going to have some movement this week, either due to new injury or some coming off IR.

Cameron Lawson and Micah Vanterpool come to mind.

Will Logan be ready to be considered?  He could be that extra returner and used on offence as a rotation player.

Parker on crutches but not going to 6 game IR, threw me. Does he have any chance of a quick recovery and being back this week? Doesn't seem likely but his status is really a TBD.

Clearly Bonds is lost and it could be long term. Allen looks like the only current choice in the secondary. Or is their mindset to just stick with Kelly at safety and Vaval at CB? IDK if Allen is even a choice at CB. How the secondary is re-set is not going to be easy especially on the short week.

Like I suggested last week, I'd go with the 3 man OL if Vanterpool is healthy. What they do to accommodate that ratio change would be up for discussion. Part of that is the lack of choices on the PR for the secondary.

Any other thoughts?

Seems this conversation comes up every week, no real advantage playing Vanterpool over Wallace but it does cut down their options on D, which could lead to the removal of Person.  If Logan returns let Vaval concentrate on the corner job instead of making even more changes and let Dexter Lawson settle in a bit longer before throwing him into the fire.

[Blue In BC]

Seems this conversation comes up every week, no real advantage playing Vanterpool over Wallace but it does cut down their options on D, which could lead to the removal of Person.  If Logan returns let Vaval concentrate on the corner job instead of making even more changes and let Dexter Lawson settle in a bit longer before throwing him into the fire.

It's me starting that conversation. The question is whether Vanterpool is a better LG than Wallace. If not then stick with Wallace.

I wouldn't remove Person as my 1st choice or at for that matter.. I would consider the following in ranked order of my preference.

1. Ayers: J. Jones is playing on ST's and getting defensive reps that Ayers is not.
2. J. Jones: Only because O'Shea is stuck on players that were here in 2024.
3. D. Mitchell. He didn't make a big impression against the Stamps, but it's too early to " replace " him with Corcoran again.

Still in limbo of additional choices are adding Woods from the PR, but that forces choices different than above or in addition to above.

If Lawson is back then it may be a lessor issue.

I don't think Vaval has to focus only on play at CB if Logan comes on, but it's worth considering I suppose.

[Blueforlife]

It's me starting that conversation. The question is whether Vanterpool is a better LG than Wallace. If not then stick with Wallace.

I wouldn't remove Person as my 1st choice or at for that matter.. I would consider the following in ranked order of my preference.

1. Ayers: J. Jones is playing on ST's and getting defensive reps that Ayers is not.
2. J. Jones: Only because O'Shea is stuck on players that were here in 2024.
3. D. Mitchell. He didn't make a big impression against the Stamps, but it's too early to " replace " him with Corcoran again.

Still in limbo of additional choices are adding Woods from the PR, but that forces choices different than above or in addition to above.

If Lawson is back then it may be a lessor issue.

I don't think Vaval has to focus only on play at CB if Logan comes on, but it's worth considering I suppose.

Agree 1,2,3.  Agree Person doesn't come off.  Only if Logan is 100% I would have him return full time.  Otherwise I would rotate him and Vaval.  I don't like starters on D or O at returner but that's just me.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

It's me starting that conversation. The question is whether Vanterpool is a better LG than Wallace. If not then stick with Wallace.

I wouldn't remove Person as my 1st choice or at for that matter.. I would consider the following in ranked order of my preference.

1. Ayers: J. Jones is playing on ST's and getting defensive reps that Ayers is not.
2. J. Jones: Only because O'Shea is stuck on players that were here in 2024.
3. D. Mitchell. He didn't make a big impression against the Stamps, but it's too early to " replace " him with Corcoran again.

Still in limbo of additional choices are adding Woods from the PR, but that forces choices different than above or in addition to above.

If Lawson is back then it may be a lessor issue.

I don't think Vaval has to focus only on play at CB if Logan comes on, but it's worth considering I suppose.

Tony Jones has been arguably the best Bomber defender in many games so far this season, Jon Jones will have little chance to replace him unless via injury. When and if Kyrie goes down J. Jones will get his shot to compete for the WIL position against Ayers and rookie Natl. Connor Shay.  I'd prefer to see Shay next in line.

[Blue In BC]

Tony Jones has been arguably the best Bomber defender in many games so far this season, Jon Jones will have little chance to replace him unless via injury. When and if Kyrie goes down J. Jones will get his shot to compete for the WIL position against Ayers and rookie Natl. Connor Shay.  I'd prefer to see Shay next in line.

The reality is that Ayers is already not next in line for either WIL or MLB. He is getting almost to reps on defence while J. Jones is as well as good work on ST's. To that end, he makes Ayers more dispensable IMO.

I don't think Shay will see any reps at either position in 2025 unless game is out of reach one way or the other.  He might be fighting for WIL in 2026, but not today.

Smith seems targeted at SAM.

I know we can't take depth charts as gospel but Cadwallader is shown as next up followed by Novak.

In the last depth chart Cadwallader was shown as next followed by J. Jones. Obviously that changed when Novak went down with injury and J. Jones was added to the AR.

How that fits for 2026 is anybodies guess and it could well be changed as Shay spends time on the AR. Shay would be a ratio breaking player if he can win the role but that's not something we can predict quite yet. 

I've also mentioned that I like Ayers but it's a roster size and ratio issue. In 2026, we may lose or choose to let some vets go to free agency., like Wilson.

Maybe someone can get defensive stats on Ayers and J. Jones. Neither shows any DT's yet but I have seen J. Jones on the field a few times. He's also paid a bit more than T. Jones, so they must feel he's " next " in line somewhere. That could even include in game replacement for Tony if he's injured.

[Pete]

There is still Woods to be considered, I feel we could use him and either Jones/Ayers comes off.
Hopefully we see Cam Allen in but Im not holding my breath.
Other than that Lawson if healthy may check in for Smeckle. I agree we could use Vanderpool back in with Randolph moving to guard where he seems more effective but dont know who you would take off
It didnt seem like Persons got many reps last game in fact Smeckle played more than he did.

[Blue In BC]

There is still Woods to be considered, I feel we could use him and either Jones/Ayers comes off.
Hopefully we see Cam Allen in but Im not holding my breath.
Other than that Lawson if healthy may check in for Smeckle. I agree we could use Vanderpool back in with Randolph moving to guard where he seems more effective but dont know who you would take off

We're all wondering the logic of not dressing Woods and moving him to the PR instead of bumping an import LB. Maybe he's not in game shape or maybe he's not considered better than one of our DT's. I find that a bit hard to believe but I'm also not seeing him in practice.

I'm not sure if Vanterpool is a better choice at RT with Randolph moving to LG. I just think the OL could be better with 3 import OL. Last week I thought we might see some combination of that with Lofton then he ends up on 6 game IR.

I listed who and the ranking of who I'd take off if we choose some combination of 3 Import OL and need to adjust the ratio.

Short week and if they haven't made that decision before tomorrow then I doubt we see that.

We won't even have any idea about Lawson or Vanterpool health until we see the daily IR report. Even then we showed Lofton as limited last week and then moved to 6 game IR.

[Blue In BC]

Noting that I would have considered speaking with Dozier to fill our spot at safety. Maybe they did and he choose the Argos instead.

Maybe they feel Allen is ready or Kelly will continue to start. We'll see how this works out against D. Brown that is racking up the yardage passing.

[Blueforlife]

Noting that I would have considered speaking with Dozier to fill our spot at safety. Maybe they did and he choose the Argos instead.

Maybe they feel Allen is ready or Kelly will continue to start. We'll see how this works out against D. Brown that is racking up the yardage passing.

Easier to grab him as a lot closer than here.

I think Ayers will be a long term Bomber.  I would like to see him get more reps this year to see what we got.  But we are very deep at LB so who knows what will happen next year.  We also have to get our draft picks some reps.  Tough to do with our rock solid LBs.

Woods will come on soon I think.  Would be nice next week if someone can report on how he looks at practice.

There is still Woods to be considered, I feel we could use him and either Jones/Ayers comes off.
Hopefully we see Cam Allen in but Im not holding my breath.
Other than that Lawson if healthy may check in for Smeckle. I agree we could use Vanderpool back in with Randolph moving to guard where he seems more effective but dont know who you would take off
It didnt seem like Persons got many reps last game in fact Smeckle played more than he did.

Smeckle did get a lot of reps and was decent I thought.  Person was so great the previous.  Let's hope we continue to get more out of our DL.

We likely roll with Kelly again.  Allen could come on as a depth roll and give him a few reps or on ST. 

[Blue In BC]

Easier to grab him as a lot closer than here.

I think Ayers will be a long term Bomber.  I would like to see him get more reps this year to see what we got.  But we are very deep at LB so who knows what will happen next year.  We also have to get our draft picks some reps.  Tough to do with our rock solid LBs.

Woods will come on soon I think.  Would be nice next week if someone can report on how he looks at practice.
Smeckle did get a lot of reps and was decent I thought.  Person was so great the previous.  Let's hope we continue to get more out of our DL.

We likely roll with Kelly again.  Allen could come on as a depth roll and give him a few reps or on ST. 

Ayers, Wilson, Cadwallader, Gauthier, J. Jones and Weitz are all potential free agents in 2026. So Ayers as the example might choose to leave in free agency for a larger role and more money.

I mentioned I don't see him as close to next in line at WIL, so we may choose to let him test free agency. He'll be coming off an ELC so that might come into play.

For that matter I don't know what you see in Ayers to think he'll be a longtime Bomber.  He fills a role but an import ST player isn't that difficult to find and replace.

Unless the team feels he's a strong candidate to start in 2026, then it's time to move on. Wilson might be back so that factors into the depth chart.

We haven't seen Woodey on the AR yet but he might be the replacement depth piece going into TC 2026.

[Blueforlife]

Ayers, Wilson, Cadwallader, Gauthier and J. Jones are all potential free agents in 2026. So Ayers as the example might choose to leave in free agency for a larger role and more money.

I mentioned I don't see him as close to next in line at WIL, so we may choose to let him test free agency. He'll be coming off an ELC so that might come into play.

We haven't seen Woodey on the AR yet but he might be the replacement depth piece going into TC 2026.

I would try to keep most of them but might be time to move on from Gauthier.  Not sure if he is getting his run D reps like before.  Likely not.  I see him on teams.  Hard to keep all these names, will be a few fresh faces and perhaps a pick or two.

Woodbey needs reps so we can evaluate. 

Most these names will come down to money.  Can save a few bucks by going next gen.

Wilson been great, if healthy this year I want him back.

[Blue In BC]

I would try to keep most of them but might be time to move on from Gauthier.  Not sure if he is getting his run D reps like before.  Likely not.  I see him on teams.  Hard to keep all these names, will be a few fresh faces and perhaps a pick or two.

Woodbey needs reps so we can evaluate. 

Most these names will come down to money.  Can save a few bucks by going next gen.

Wilson been great, if healthy this year I want him back.

Well wee drafted 3 Canadians this season. It's reasonable to think they will progress going into 2026. Exactly what their roles will be is not entirely clear but we have a general idea.

Gauthier isn't getting defensive reps except on 3rd and short. I think that will continue during the rest of the season. He still works on ST's, but I think that will also decline as Shay and Smith get experience. Novak was on T's as well and doing quite well.

Smith has 9 ST's while Novak, Shay and Gauthier have 3. So that seems like a trend and succession plan.

Gauthier is not a bad player, but age, roster size, SMS and succession plan all come into play.

The same applies to the others. Free agency, wanting a bigger role or being on a team perceived to have a better chance at play off money are assessments player make going into free agency.

From my point, standing pat and keeping everybody is not the best idea. Woodbey could already be part of the 2026 plan based on what he might be doing in practice. IDK since I don't got to practice.

IMO I'd think Woodbey is already redundant based on the number of LB's we already have. We need new CB's on the PR and not another LB.

[Blueforlife]

Well wee drafted 3 Canadians this season. It's reasonable to think they will progress going into 2026. Exactly what their roles will be is not entirely clear but we have a general idea.

Gauthier isn't getting defensive reps except on 3rd and short. I think that will continue during the rest of the season. He still works on ST's, but I think that will also decline as Shay and Smith get experience. Novak was on T's as well and doing quite well.

Smith has 9 ST's while Novak, Shay and Gauthier have 3. So that seems like a trend and succession plan.

Gauthier is not a bad player, but age, roster size, SMS and succession plan all come into play.

The same applies to the others. Free agency, wanting a bigger role or being on a team perceived to have a better chance at play off money are assessments player make going into free agency.

From my point, standing pat and keeping everybody is not the best idea. Woodbey could already be part of the 2026 plan based on what he might be doing in practice. IDK since I don't got to practice.

IMO I'd think Woodbey is already redundant based on the number of LB's we already have. We need new CB's on the PR and not another LB.

Can't argue with any of that and thanks for the details and stats, very telling.  Yup we need CBs and safety.  Depth at DB as well.  Haven't noticed Gauthier on 3rd and short, will look for him. 

Having this year's draft picks develop is critical.  And yes they might save us a dime and bump the vets.

[Pigskin]

It's me starting that conversation. The question is whether Vanterpool is a better LG than Wallace. If not then stick with Wallace.

I wouldn't remove Person as my 1st choice or at for that matter.. I would consider the following in ranked order of my preference.

1. Ayers: J. Jones is playing on ST's and getting defensive reps that Ayers is not.
2. J. Jones: Only because O'Shea is stuck on players that were here in 2024.
3. D. Mitchell. He didn't make a big impression against the Stamps, but it's too early to " replace " him with Corcoran again.

Still in limbo of additional choices are adding Woods from the PR, but that forces choices different than above or in addition to above.

If Lawson is back then it may be a lessor issue.

I don't think Vaval has to focus only on play at CB if Logan comes on, but it's worth considering I suppose.

Well, you are persistent on getting Ayers out of the lineup. But, I can't see it happening. Ayers is just to good on teams. I like JJ, and he made a few plays on teams against the Argo's. However he disappear against Calgary.   

[Blue In BC]

Well, you are persistent on getting Ayers out of the lineup. But, I can't see it happening. Ayers is just to good on teams. I like JJ, and he made a few plays on teams against the Argo's. However he disappear against Calgary.   

LOL

My point being is that I like Ayers but I'd prefer a player that is going to get reps on defence. On the current roster J. Jones is that player. We have 3 new Canadian LB's, Kelly, Ball and J. Jones all added to ST's.

If we choose to make a ratio change like adding Vanterpool, then an import has to come off.

I've explained why I think Ayers is not in the long term plans as a starter and is just a very good ST player. I'm not sure if " too good " still applies against our new candidates.

So if we are able and choose to add Vanterpool, would would you take off if it was up to you?

I think O'Shea will take off J. Jones because that's the way he operates. A 2nd year guy over a player that has only played in 2 games.

As I asked, anyone got defensive reps for those two players?